Dear Carla

I'm certainly not the world's most prolific blogger, mainly because I'm too busy writing to, uh, write.

I received the most wonderful letter a few days ago from Amy in Mapleton. I attended a book club meeting a few months ago in Mapleton, and we all had a lot of fun. Amy sent me this letter, and it made me laugh, so I have to share it.

Dear Carla,
Your latest book has kept me up late and caused me to lose sleep. Your book has made me leave work early. Your book has caused me to neglect every earthly responsibility I currently have. Thank you so much for your book. I have loved it! Please keep doin what you're doin, you do beat all Carla.
Admiringly yours,
Amy B.

I wrote Amy back and told her she gave me a good laugh.

I'm in the home stretch on my historical mystery in New Mexico, then I'll start reading for research for the next book. In the middle of all this, we're doing the dread kitchen remodel, which is turning out not so dreadful, especially since we fell into the clutches of Stilson and Sons, general contractors from Emery County who are absolutely magnificent.

Royce is a cool guy in his mid to late sixties who is super-tall and super-organized. I know you won't believe this, any of you who have gone through any home remodeling, but Royce sets a time line, calls us to let us know who will be out to do what and when they will be there. He's even Ahead Of Schedule. Yes, yes, I know, sounds crazy, but it's true. He's scheduled to be done by the end of next week, and he may be done even sooner. We're already lining up another project with him.

The remodel is nothing extraordinary. It was a small kitchen to begin with, and it'll remain a small kitchen. What is will have is more cabinets, and a better arrangement of appliances. No granite countertops; that would be extreme overkill. It'll just be a great-looking kitchen.

The fridge is in the laundry room and the sink is in the bathroom, and we're eating microwave dinners and giving away a lot of garden produce. No complaints; I like not cooking.

And now back to "The Double Cross."